A crowded Republican field and three serious Democratic contenders means a flooded state, with a slew of activists knocking on doors, soliciting pledges and hammering signs in to lawns across the state. If that's not bad enough, don't forget the more than 1,600 reporters — including me — that are flooding the state this weekend to cover the spectacle.

Mary Augustine was not too pleased on January 30, 2016 when her shop was blocked off by a campaign event.

Here, it's almost impossible to escape the caucuses. Cafes and restaurants are buzzing with talk of candidates, polls and rallies as the candidates and their entourages make their final frenzied trips across the state. It makes some sense politically. Iowa can be make or break for a politician's presidential aspirations.

But for typical Iowa residents like Augustine, the height of campaign season means unwelcome intrusions like a barrage of cold calls, activists knocking on doors multiple times a day and a revolving door of politicians disrupting normal life in the places they call home.

Mary Augustine's antiques shop is just across the street from the Davenport Venue where Donald Trump held a rally on January 30, 2016.

There are, of course, ways to get around that...or at least try.

Mary Talbert, a 39-year-old business owner in Davenport decided not to register with either party. The reason? She doesn't want to be targeted at home.

"Some of my friends, their cell phones are just ringing nonstop," explained Talbert, who caucused for Barack Obama in 2008 but has no plans to take part this year.

Talbert was born here in Iowa and has spent much of her life in the state, so the caucus circus is nothing new. But since this summer, she's been frustrated by the constant stream of political ads blanketing the airwaves.

"You know, I don’t like any of them. It’s just constant, the ads are always on TV," said Talbert. "I can’t even look at Facebook anymore. It’s even coming up constantly on my Pandora. I’ve really had enough of it.”

Mary Talbert in her art store, Craft, in downtown Davenport on January 30, 2016.

Politicians are now the new normal here, she said, recalling watching Chris Christie, Hillary Clinton and their supporters pass by recently.

There's a different feeling an hour away in Iowa City, Iowa, home to the University of Iowa.

Twenty-two year old CJ Jenkins is simply politically apathetic. The ads that the candidates hope will sway voters their way are having the opposite effect on him. He's just overwhelmed.

"I feel bombarded by it honestly. It is kind of throwing it in your face constantly," said Jenkins. "I wish they could go about it a different way."

His friend, 19-year-old Michael Hawes, is on the opposite end of the spectrum, and describes himself as a political junkie.

"It’s interesting, I am interested in general so I kind of enjoy it,” says Hawes. "Maybe I am a little bit more well informed because of it.”

Johnny and Angela Baugher with their daughter in Iowa City, on Saturday, January 30, 2016.

Image: Mashable/Megan Specia

Even the most die-hard politicos though, can find themselves overwhelmed by the caucus, and all the attention it brings. Angela Baugher and her husband Johnny Baugher came to Iowa City on Saturday afternoon ahead of a Bernie Sanders rally set to kick off later that evening.

"I'm exhausted by it, but I understand why it's there," she said. The pair plans to caucus for Sanders on Monday.

Johnny Baugher has resigned himself to the whole process as just part of Iowa life.

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